Experience once again the thrill of a low-trajectory shot that cuts through the wind with the “long iron”—an endangered species in modern golf. Hirota Golf Launches “FORGED LONG IRON #1/#2”

Hirota Golf Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nishi Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture), a golf club manufacturer, is launching the “FORGED LONG IRON (Driving Irons #1/#2),” featuring soft-iron forged heads manufactured in Ichikawa Town, Hyogo Prefecture—known as the birthplace of golf club production in Japan.

The main image shows both the #1 and #2 driving irons from Hirota Golf’s soft-iron forged unmarked series.

In modern golf, utility clubs (UTs), which make it easy to get the ball airborne, have become the mainstream choice.

However, on the other hand,

“I want to keep the ball flight low in windy conditions,”

“I want to avoid hitting the ball left on narrow holes,”

“I want to hit the ball along the line I envision”

.

This product is one of the few authentic long irons available today, developed specifically for such athletic golfers as well as intermediate and advanced players.

Our goal was not simply to launch the ball high.

Read the wind, control the ball flight, and hit the ball along your intended line.

It combines the maneuverability unique to long irons with modern club design.

We aimed to create a club that allows you to attack the course with a powerful trajectory—whether on tee shots in strong winds or on second shots where you’re aiming for long distances.

■ Development Philosophy

Why an iron now, rather than a utility club?

In modern golf, utilities and hybrids are the mainstream.

Their ability to launch the ball high and generate carry is a major advantage.

On the other hand, in windy conditions or on narrow holes,

● You want to keep the ball flight low

● Avoid hitting the ball left

● Play the line you envision

● Make the most of the ball’s roll after landing

.

That’s why Hirota Golf deliberately chose an iron-style design.

This product doesn’t just pursue “height”; it prioritizes a trajectory that drives the ball forward powerfully and excellent maneuverability.

Low, powerful, and heading straight for the target.

It reintroduces the appeal of long irons—which have become rare in modern golf—through contemporary club design.

■ Technical Features and Design Philosophy

[No Brand Logo]

The beauty of minimalism, achieved by omitting the logo.

We have deliberately omitted the brand logo from the back face, featuring only the “FORGED” engraving.

The simple design, with minimal ornamentation, highlights the beauty and presence of the soft-iron forged head itself.

No unnecessary embellishments.

This is the result of our pursuit of functional beauty and the joy of ownership.

[S20C Soft Iron Forging Using Traditional Techniques from Ichikawa Town]

The head of this product is manufactured in Ichikawa Town, Hyogo Prefecture, known as the birthplace of golf club production in Japan.

S20C mild steel is used as the material.

While pursuing the unique texture and feel characteristic of soft iron forging, we aimed for the performance and precision required of a long iron.

This club fuses manufacturing techniques cultivated over many years with modern club design.

【Modern Center of Gravity Design】

The design adjusts the shape and weight distribution on the heel side to achieve a stable impact while maintaining the maneuverability characteristic of long irons.

We’ve strived to balance playability—preventing the club from hooking more than necessary—with a sense of confidence at address.

We want to create a shot path that feels like a true iron.

But we didn’t want to create a long iron like those of the past—ones that were simply too difficult to play.

This modern long iron design was born from that philosophy.

[Tour Grind Sole]

The sole shape is adjusted for each club.

Designed with turf interaction in mind, these irons are engineered to perform not only on tee shots but also on shots from the fairway.

Although these are long irons, we aimed to minimize resistance from the turf and achieve a smooth through-swing.

■ Feel and Performance Benefits

【Soft Impact Feel Unique to Soft Forged Iron】

We pursued a soft and comfortable impact feel unique to the S20C soft-iron forged head.

Even within the challenging category of long irons, we paid close attention to the feel at impact.

It feels as though the ball is resting on the face.

This is the unique appeal of soft-iron forged clubs, designed for golfers who value the feel of every single shot.

【A High, Stable Trajectory That Cuts Through the Wind】

Rather than simply aiming for height, we pursued a trajectory that drives the ball forward with power.

By aiming for a lower trajectory that’s less affected by the wind, these clubs enable shots that make the most of roll after landing.

In strong winds,

this design is intended for golfers who say,

This club is designed for golfers who feel that way.

■ Differences from Conventional Long Irons

[19°/22° Loft Settings Designed for Real-World Play]

In the past, long irons sometimes featured extremely challenging loft settings of around 16°.

With this product, taking into account the modern golf scene and ease of use on the course,

#1: 19°

#2: 22°

.

We aim to provide distance settings that are easy to use on actual courses while taking full advantage of the powerful ball flight unique to long irons.

[A Fusion of Sharpness and Confidence]

We’ve adopted a sharp head shape reminiscent of a muscle-back club while carefully considering weight distribution.

We’ve retained the maneuverability typical of long irons while also pursuing a sense of security at address.

It’s not just difficult to play.

Yet, they aren’t so easy that they sacrifice playability.

That is the balance we aimed for with the “FORGED LONG IRON.”

■ Recommended for golfers like this

● For those who want to control a trajectory that rises too high

● Golfers who dislike hitting the ball left

● Those who want an alternative to the driver for tee shots on narrow holes

● Golfers who want to attack the green with a strong ball flight even in windy conditions

● Those who prefer the familiar feel of an iron over a utility club

● Intermediate and advanced players who want to control their own ball flight

● Golfers who want to attack the green with a precise line even from long distances

● Those seeking the unique feel of soft-iron forged clubs

■ Product Lineup

[MODEL 01] FORGED LONG IRON #1

Loft: 19.0°

A long iron designed to produce a low, powerful ball flight—distinct from 3-woods and utility clubs.

Ideal for tee shots on narrow holes or situations where you want to minimize the effects of wind.

With the high trajectory characteristic of long irons, this club is designed to help you hit the fairway.

【MODEL 02】FORGED LONG IRON #2

Loft: 22.0°

A practical long iron designed for targets around 200 yards.

It’s suitable not only for tee shots but also for second shots requiring long distance.

By leveraging its high trajectory and roll after landing, it expands your course management options.

■ Head Specifications

#1

Loft: 19.0°

Lie Angle: 59.0°

Head Weight: 233g±

FP: 3.5

Finish: Satin Plating

#2

Loft: 22.0°

Lie angle: 59.5°

Head Weight: 240 g ±

FP: 3.5

Finish: Satin Plating

■ Club Specifications

Fitted Shaft: NS PRO 950GH-S

Grip: IOMIC Hirota Golf Original Sticky

#1

Length: 40.0 inches

Total Club Weight: 381 g ±

Balance: D1

#2

Length: 39.5 inches

Total Club Weight: 388 g ±

Balance: D1

*Specifications are design values; actual measurements may vary slightly.

An image of the No. 1 driving iron from Hirota Golf’s soft-iron forged unmarked series, viewed from the front (toe side) with a ball on the tee.

Image of the top blade of the No. 1 driving iron from Hirota Golf’s soft iron forged unmarked series.

■ Product Overview

Product Name: HIROTA GOLF FORGED LONG IRON #1/#2

Category: Driving Irons / Long Irons

Head Material: Soft Iron

Manufacturing Method: Forged

Finish: Satin Finish

Place of Manufacture: Ichikawa-cho, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan (Head)

Release Date: October 1, 2026

Price: 18,700 yen (tax included)

Sales Page: Hirota Golf Official Online Shop

　　　　　　 https://www.hirotagolf.jp/product/264

■ Bringing Back the “Endangered Species.”

In today’s golf world, where utility clubs have become the norm,

Very few golfers carry long irons in their bags these days.

However,

I want to hit a low shot.

I want to cut through the wind.

I want to hit the ball along a specific line.

I want to attack the green while watching out for the left.

In situations like these, long irons offer a unique appeal.

It’s not just about getting the ball airborne easily.

Nor is it simply about hitting the ball far.

It’s about reading the wind, controlling the ball’s trajectory, and hitting it precisely along your intended line.

A “threatened species” in modern golf.

Yet there is still a clear reason for their existence today.

FORGED LONG IRON

#1/#2

Low. Powerful. Accurate.

■ Company Overview

Company Name: Hirota Golf Co., Ltd.

Address: 1553-4 Iwaoka, Iwaoka-cho, Nishi-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

Business Activities: Planning, development, and sales of golf equipment,

　　　　　 , development, and sales; development of original brand products;

　　　　　 planning and manufacturing of OEM products, etc.

Official Website: https://hirotagolf.co.jp